Arguably one of the most beautiful machines to be unveiled was the all-new 2014 Jaguar F-Type convertible, a rear-wheel drive two seater with an all-aluminum body and three engine choices ranging in horsepower from 340 to 495. It goes on sale in the summer.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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This Formula Ford road car – yes, road car – fitted with the same 1.0-litre Ecoboost that will power the Fiesta, set the 11th fastest time for a road legal car at the Nurburgring Nordshcleife race track. How fast did it go? Well, quick enough to beat out the likes of the Lamborghini Aventador, the Ferrari Enzo and the Pagani Zonda.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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It might have debuted at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, but Honda's EV-ster still turned heads on the LA Convention Center floor. It was recently announced that the all-electric convertible will make the jump from concept to production car in the near future.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Rally super star Ken Block put a show on an outdoor skid pad outside the LA Convention Center during the debut of the 2014 Ford Fiesta in his race-prepped Fiesta.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Just when you thought the Jeep Rubicon couldn't get any more off-road cred, here's the 10th Anniversary Edition. The 2013 model features plenty of badging boasting of that decade of logging road dominance, along with red leather seats, black steel winch-ready bumpers and an increased ride height of one-and-a-half inches to make room for the 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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The Lexus LF-CC is a full-hybrid coupe concept that showcases the company's new design language and its commitment to hybrid technologies. Power comes from a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine mated to a high-output and water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Despite the numerous new and inspired designs featured at this year's LA Auto Show, this Porsche 904 Carrera GTS was a show stealer. It was the first Porsche with a plastic body and just 120 were built between 1964 and 1965.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Unlike last year's show, there were no Dr. McDreamy sightings, but actor/heartthrob/racer Patrick Dempsey was still represented in the form of this 2013 Mazda CX-5 Dempsey. The special edition CUV was created in homage to his passionate pursuits – motorsports and cycling. The former is represented in the 2.2-litre clean diesel engine performance, while the latter comes in the form of a Specialized Bicycle S-Works Tarmac road bike.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Making its North American debut in LA was the 2013 Mercedes GL 63 AMG, the ultimate in luxurious off-roading radness. Powered by a 550-horsepower 5.5-litre biturbo V8, the GL 63 features all the equipment found on the GL 500 and adds as standard a Driver Assistance Package, panorama rood, designo interior and surround view camera.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Making its world debut in LA on Wednesday was the SLS AMG Coupe Black Series, a serious two-seater inspired by the racing version of the SLS AMG GT3. This gull-wing beauty is 70 kg lighter than the SLS AMG and its 6.3-litre V8 engine produces 631 horsepower to take it from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Aptly dubbed the “off-roader for tomorrow and beyond,” the Mercedes Ener-G-Force concept could just as easily be described as a G series on steroids – serious steroids.

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Yet another world debut, the third generation Porsche Cayman and Cayman S models drew nods of approval from the gathered journalists. Lower, longer, lighter and faster than the outgoing Cayman, the new base version is powered by a 2.7-litre boasting 275 hp, while the S model gets a 3.4-litre that produces 325 ponies.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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The world's first SUV with an all-aluminum body, the all-new Range Rover will arrive in show rooms next month and comes with two engine choices: the base 5.0-litre V8 and a supercharged version of the same engine.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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One doesn't typically think of plus-500hp performance when one thinks of Volvo, but this S60 Polestar version will change that. Featuring a 501-horsepower 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, the Polestar lives up to its name with a zero to 100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Last year VW brought its new New Beetle to the LA show; this year it was the convertible's turn to bask in the SoCal limelight. Featuring a power-operated soft-top, this topless Beetle beat out the Fiat 500e for cute car of the show award.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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It may still be in the concept stage, but Chevrolet's Tru 140S looks ready for the pavement. Featuring a 1.4-litre ecotec turbocharged engine with start-stop technology, the front-wheel drive coupe signals many of the design cues driving Chevy into the future.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Expected to go on sale some time next year, the 2014 all-electric Chevrolet Spark made its world debut at the LA show on Wednesday. GM officials pegged the five-door car's starting price at under US$25,000 (with tax incentives) and while no exact range figures were released, they did say it will have among the best EV range in its segment.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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It's amazing to think that the Dodge Viper is over two decades old, and after a two-year absence from the marketplace, it returns as a 2013 model, only now it is called the SRT Viper. The fifth-generation super car might have a different name, but it has the same personality. Namely, a 640-horsepower 8.4-litre V10 engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, carbon fibre coming out its dual exhaust pipes and massive Brembo brakes.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Another electric car to debut at the LA show on Wednesday was this new Fiat 500. Called the 500e, it is more aerodynamic than other 500s, and has a stated city driving range of 160 kilometres.

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Fiat also debuted its all-new four-door 500 model, dubbed the 500L. Back seat passengers get plenty of space – a first for a 500 model – and the driver gets plenty of fun, by way of a 160-horsepower 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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What is that? That seemed to be the question on most journalists' minds during the LA show opening press day. Well, it's the all-new Ford Transit Connect wagon, and according to Ford execs on hand, when it goes on sale next year, it will be the most affordable and fuel efficient 7-passenger vehicle for sale in North America. Could it be that the wagon will return to slay the minivan? Stayed tuned.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Rally super star Ken Block put a show on an outdoor skid pad outside the LA Convention Center during the debut of the 2014 Ford Fiesta in his race-prepped Fiesta.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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The 2014 Acura RLX luxury performance sedan made its world debut on Wednesday at the LA Auto Show. The RLX is powered by an all-new 310-horsepower V6 and offers class-leading interior passenger space.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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Bentley has a long and storied history of racing, and this sweet Continental GT3 racer continues that tradition in grand style.

Photograph by Andrew McCredie

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With the snow piling up in Whistler, this BMW X1 K2 Powder Ride is built to take on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Starting at $43,495 and with two engine choices - a 2.8- and 3.5-litre – this AWD CUV also comes with an exclusive pair of K2 LTD Powder Ride skis.